Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (India), said that these substances are not only involved in physiological processes but also regulate our feelings, reactions and appearance.
When hormone balance is maintained, the body will feel physically and mentally healthier. However, hormonal imbalances can lead to problems in daily life.
Dr. Rakesh Gupta shares 3 types of hormones that significantly affect human physical and mental health, including:
Oxytocin: Love hormone
Oxytocin is often called the hormone of love because it is associated with positive emotions such as cohesion, trust and social connection. This hormone also helps regulate appetite and enhance emotional health.
Activities such as spending time with relatives, engaging in kindness or practicing mindfulness can naturally increase oxytocin levels.
Research shows that oxytocin not only supports emotional health but also helps reduce stressed appetite and improve digestion.
Cortisol: Stress hormone
Cortisol, also known as stress hormone, is released when the body encounters stressful situations.
Although cortisol helps the body react quickly to stress, too high a level of cortisol due to chronic stress can lead to weight gain, mood swings and poor metabolism.
Dr Rakesh Gupta emphasizes the importance of stress management through techniques such as exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep to keep cortisol levels stable.
Insulin: Hormones that regulate energy
Insulin plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels by promoting the absorption of glucose into cells for energy. Stable insulin levels help prevent energy drops and control appetite.
However, chronic stress can disrupt insulin regulation, leading to health problems such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
To maintain healthy insulin levels, a balanced diet and physical activity are extremely important.
The link between oxytocin, cortisol and insulin
When oxytocin, cortisol, and insulin are balanced, they create positive effects for overall health, says Dr Rakesh Gupta.
Increasing oxytocin can reduce emotional eating, while controlling cortisol helps stabilize mood and improve metabolism.
Ensuring stable insulin levels helps maintain energy and reduce cravings.
Dr. Gupta recommends that small but frequent lifestyle changes, such as nurturing social relationships, managing stress and staying active, can help promote hormone balance and improve overall health.
